Lisa Raymo
Lisa Raymo Glass Beads
Traverse City, MI
When Lisa started doing fused glass four years ago the other women in the studio were lampworking. They seemed to be having so much fun she knew she had to try what they were doing.
Lisa practiced making beads, and gradually learned how to control the glass. One day she hit upon making flowers beads. “I saw a flower bracelet I liked, and started making my own variation. I love making the bracelets. A lot of creative thought goes into the process. I like to add vintage, crystals, & bug beads into the mix of lampwork beads. I’ve taught others how to make them, but they never end up looking like mine. Putting these bracelets together and selling them is what got my business started. They’re still hot sellers today!”
When the studio where Lisa rented torch-time closed she decided it was time to make her own studio space. A year later Lisa finished transforming her 8’ x 12’ shed into a fully equipped studio. “I went thru beading withdrawal. I was more than ready to start beading again.”
“My favorite glass to work with is Boro. I like to make glass hearts from large clear glass rods. I also like to make big focal beads with colors and frits all mixed and mashed together, and encase them in clear. Then I take the left over glass, pull it into a stringer, and make small spacer type beads to sell in sets. I can’t wait to go into my studio the next morning to see how everything turned out. With Boro there is always an element of surprise.”
For ideas Lisa looks around her. “When I find myself stuck making the same beads I’ll get a book from the library and see what catches my eye. Nature is a good place to find ideas for color.”
“I love sharing my finished work with people. I feel my energy flows into the beads I make. Whether someone makes their own finished product with them or just looks at them, there is a part of me in the beads. It’s a wonderful hobby that I truly enjoy.”
Email: lraymo@sbcglobal.net
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